Sonia Kashuk went big with her Matte Oil Blotting Papers ($7), not only making them significantly larger than comparable ones from MAC (about a quarter of an inch longer on all sides), but also giving three times as many sheets for just about half the cost (100 sheets for $7, versus 30 for $13.50 of the ones from MAC).

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If you’ve never used blotting papers before, they’re usually just thin sheets of tissue paper used to absorb oil and remove shine from skin without the need for additional layers of makeup. Lots of different brands make ’em, including MAC ($13.50), Shiseido ($17), Too Faced ($12) and Clean & Clear ($6).

You wouldn’t think there’d be much difference among different brands of blotting papers, but there can be, both in terms of size and performance; some feel softer than others, too, and use different kinds of paper or fabric. Some even contain absorbent powders or clay.
Sonia’s feel stiff to me, which I like, similar to Shiseido’s Pureness Blotting Papers. Unlike MAC Blot Film, which has a pliable, tissue-like and almost waxy feel, Sonia’s feel sturdier, like stepped up versions of toilet seat covers (which, fyi, can be used as blotting papers in a pinch). 🙂

My sensitive skin likes that these are just paper — big pieces of it — and don’t contain any bells or whistles, because sometimes those bells and whistles, like the absorbent Kaolin clay added to Shiseido’s sheets, can sometimes give me breakouts.

I usually need a couple sheets of MAC Blot or Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing papers to get rid of shine, but I’ve been getting by with just one of Sonia’s. They excel at lifting oil without disturbing my makeup, too. Great stuff. I’ll be keeping a packet of them with me in my purse. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

Sock it to ’em!

Some ladies wear socks with their high heels to make fashion statements … and some ladies do it to break in new pairs of Franco Sarto sandals.

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I found the sandals for half off at Marshall’s the other day. HALF OFF! Man, I’ve been loving Marshall’s lately. The cork wedge platforms give me a little height but still take it easy on my feet… Can’t wait to wear these in summer!

Oh, this month’s Real Simple magazine mentions that March is the best time of year for great prices on sandals, so keep your eyes peeled, and let me know what you find. 🙂

So far, 51 people have commented on this article. How cool is that?

Yay i’m gonna have to get those blotting sheets! and it’s $7 for 100! that’s a really good deal! good find, karen! and looooove those shoes! i love marshall’s and t.j. maxx <3
.-= Hazel's last blog post… TWO-MIX / JUST COMMUNICATION =-.

My mom & I just started planning our next trip to Seattle yesterday. Now I know what to get from Target when and if we go (ie. everything/anything Sonia Kashuk)!
And your heels look great! Fashionable AND best of all, comfortable. I remembering snatching a pair of heel for $4 at The Ross, they were alright but now I notice platform heels are better. Much, much better.

Nice! That is a price point on par with Boscia papers. This is great because I live super-close to a Target, and Sephora is just not as convenient.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… On knowing oneâ€™s strengths =-.

I don’t use blotting papers but wanted to share that I bought the Sonia Kashuk bent eyelining brush. Haven’t got the hang of it just yet but I know it’ll be love once I mastered it. I also picked up the large blending brush – also a good one! SORRY to thread jack

Ooooh, nice! I have a few backups of the Boscia ones left from when they were $4.50 at Sephora, but when I run out I’m definitely checking the SK ones out. I don’t really like the rubbery ones like MAC or Clean & Clear either – they’re actually too drying for my face!
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Rock & Republic Beauty on Hautelook today! =-.

Love the sandals! I know this post is about blotting papers but anything summery/springy makes me so excited 🙂 These shoes will definitley be making their way into my closet this
season. But, if only I had an extra 180 in my pocket…

I too use the Boscia ones, which are fiber-y and were $4.50 during Sephora’s sale. They’re back to $9 for 100 sheets now, so I’ll have to try the Sonia Kashuk ones out when I’m done with the Boscia. Am I the only one who feels happy at seeing the papers change color as you use them? Lol. 🙂 Kind of gross, but I love using blotting sheets because I can see the instant transfer of oil from face to paper.

OH MY GOD Karen, I love your shoes! They’re amazing! On another note, I don’t use blotting paper, if I feel I get too shiny I’ll just press some tissues against the oily parts 😀
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – The Girl with Kaleidosope Eyes =-.

There’s a great alternative to buying blotting paper. The tissue paper that you find in the bathroom of a starbucks works just as well as the blotting papers that you can get in stores, but it’s free. Give it a try, it’s the regular brown paper that is dispensed for you to wipe your hands off after you wash them, (without the starbucks logo).

Socks to break in heels is a brilliant idea!! I’m about to go put some on right now 🙂
I usually wear new shoes around until they start to get sore, then I take them off and try again the next day. It doesn’t really work but it makes me feel better.
.-= Lindsey’s last blog post… The Makeup Show LA 2010 =-.

The Sonia blotting papers do look interesting but im drowning in oil control film right now – my best friend sent me a bunch of Asian oil control film and ive resolved to not buy anymore until I use them all up.

The blotting films are Gatsby brand from Japan and work pretty well …. 😀

ps — I also got a great deal on Franco Sarto sandals @ Marshalls (or was it TJMaxx) — one was for 20.00 and the other for 8.50. Will wear them to the two weddings im scheduled to attend in the summer!!!!

I’ll have to check those out! I’ve been dependent on the Clean and Clear ones for years now, and I really like them because they don’t have any powder added like some do and they feel more plastic-y than like tissue. Plus they’re in a pack that’s small enough to always have in my purse!
.-= Trude’s last blog post… A Day at the Getty =-.